Then the Great Spirit created the turtles
he gave them a vast lake in and about
which they could reside, and where
they would never be molested by either
animals or people. But the turtles were not satisfied
with the shape of the lake, and found fault
with the hard, gravelly bottom and clear water.
So they set to work to bring all the mud they could
find on the plains surrounding it, and spread the
loads of loose soil over the bottom of the lake where
they were accustomed to lie. So many of them
carried on the work that the lake was finally filled
with the mud, and became so shallow that during
one particularly hot summer it was entirely dry.
Then the turtles held council and decided that the
only way left to them was to set out to find a place
where there was good water. One, a particularly
wise and intelligent old fellow, urged his brethren
to decide first upon some fixed course to follow
and then by all means to remain together. Said
he: "If we do this we will not only know exactly
where we are going, but we can help each other.

There are a great many of us, and if any foe attacks
us we can together repel the attack, for with our
stone backs and sharp jaws we are well equipped
for battle. Let me tell you, my brothers, that the
world is full of dangers, and unless we are banded
together and stand by each other, we will be scattered
and lose our standing as a nation."

To this wise counsel the turtles apparently
agreed, but each one wanted the honor of presenting
the plan that was to be followed, and each also
wanted the distinction of being chosen to lead his
fellows. The wise old turtle made every effort at
conciliation and proposed several plans, any one of
which if accepted would have made the turtles a
great and powerful nation, but they could come to
no agreement. At last the commotion became so
great that the voice of the wise turtle was drowned
in the clamor, and he was powerless to counsel his
fellows any further. Finally each turtle started off
by himself, bound to follow his own inclinations, as
the turtles have done ever since. At this foolish
course the wise turtle became very angry. *
' Fools I "
he cried, " I am ashamed to be counted as one of the
turtle race, and although in memory of the forefathers
whom 1 honor, I will always bear on my breast the
form of a turtle, henceforth I will not be a turtle."

With a tremendous effort he threw the shell from
his back and leaped forth, a fully armed and painted
warrior. The turtles were terribly frightened and
made off as fast as they could. From that day they
have been wanderers.

The wise turtle became the progenitor of the
turtle clan. He taught his children to deliberate
carefully upon all matters of importance; to give
attention and careful consideration to the counsels
of their elders; and to work in unity in whatever
they undertook.